In March 2013, the long-standing Chinese Ministry of Railways was reformed and divided into the National Railway Bureau, a government body, and China Railway Corporation, the state operator. To ensure the best-possible transition in the interests of the railways and of the ridership, David Feng created a list of 100 suggestions for Chinese national railways, devised in the best interests of the railways, and future-proofed to best enable implementation at any time.
The 100 suggestions were divided into five specific topics, including ticketing, operations, planning, international matters, and railway culture. These suggestions have been covered by media, and have also been warmly received by the national rail system, and to this day, a significant number have been either directly implemented, or implemented as “inspired” based on these suggestions.
David continues to advocate their implementation even in this present day. They are designed to maximise railway transport efficiency, and are also optimised in their implementation of the newest national railway plans.
The proposals were made in March 2013. Text in italics point out to their realisation status as of early 2023, as well as any date when they were first realised.
Part 1: Making Ticketing Better
Suggestion 1
Ensure pricing remains fair for all: market-based, not too expensive for the less well-off, and, if needed, supported by the central government.
Generally realised by the late 2010s following several rounds of pricing improvements
Suggestion 2
Start a Frequent Traveller Programme and allow riders to collect points, which can be used for upgrades, tickets, and VIP lounge access, as well as other discounts.
Realised starting late 2017 — progressively improved. However, not all ID types are accepted for membership, which means travel on some ID of the same passenger may not be recorded.
Suggestion 3
To best save on resources, print the Networked Ticketing Handling Fee receipt along with the ticket, instead of using a separate piece of paper.
The networked ticketing handling fee was altogether abandoned as of 2016 as part of streamlined ticketing.
Suggestion 4
Allow slight differences in prices for [High Speed] trains depending on if they are direct, semi-fast, or regular / regional train services, making faster trains cost more.
Realised in the late 2010s; for example, High Speed trains with the least stops between Beijing and Shanghai now can cost significantly more.
Suggestion 5
Trial discounts on off-peak hour trains for Second Class accommodation.
Partially realised on limited services throughout the 2010s.
Suggestion 6
Fully utilise the ExpressPay card. Offer initiative such as “¥100 extra with a ¥1,000 add value”. Allow intercity trains to keep some seats whilst implementing a reservation system on other trains. Allow non-rail enterprises to add card value.
Improved reservation system put into use in the mid-2010s. The ExpressPay card has also seen much more extensive use in the network.
Suggestion 7
For visitors who are neither resident in China nor a PRC citizen, offer a Visitor Traveller Card, an ExpressPay card with discounts. Encourage them to travel by train.
Currently not yet realised.
Suggestion 8
Prepare for Passbook-like integration of QR code-based e-tickets. Change and “recycle” QR codes at sales, inspection, ticket gate validation, and exit. Prepare for self-service Ticket and ID Check solutions in future.
A homemade dynamic QR system has been fully implemented. Ticket and ID Check gates are now integrated with the usual departure gates at newer stations. Integration with Apple Wallet (formerly Passbook) remains outstanding.
Suggestion 9
When possible, introduce, as is already so overseas, discount cards (eg 20% off card for ¥2,000/year; 50% card for ¥5,000/year).
Not yet implemented.
Suggestion 10
Offer slightly discounted Standing Only tickets on trains (except those operating during peak hours or peak travel periods).
Not yet implemented.
Suggestion 11
See if an off-peak discounted travel scheme can be implemented (eg cheaper fares after 09:00) on intercity trains (C trains).
Not directly implemented as such, but discounted travel is available for less busy trains.
Suggestion 12
Try offering discounts for Internet ticketing to encourage earlier bookings.
Partially implemented, although discounted tickets are now available across multiple channels.
Suggestion 13
Allow all recognised ID to be used at ticket machines, first for ticket sales, then for e-ticket pickup. Allow more types of ID to be used for Internet booking.
In addition to being fully implemented for Chinese ID cards, which was always the case, now fully implemented for Chinese Green Cards, and Residence Cards for residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Partially implemented on some machines for Mainland Access Cards for residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and machine-readable/biometric passports.
Suggestion 14
Allow the use of the SAR passports for Hong Kong & Macao, as well as the Foreign Experts Certificate and the Chinese Green Cards for foreigners, to be used in personal ticketing.
The SAR passports of Hong Kong & Macao are generally not accepted in China due to political/administrative reasons (Hongkongers and Macanese usually use their Mainland Access or mainland residence cards). The Foreign Experts Certificate is now the Alien Work Permit. The Green Card has now been fully supported in personal ticketing.
Suggestion 15
Allow the selection of designated seats for Internet ticketing, just as is the case at ticket counters today. Allow this to become an option.
Already implemented for online booking (Web and smartphone app interfaces), although only a row can be chosen (as in riders can choose an “A” seat by the window, but not a specific seat, such as Seat 1A).
Suggestion 16
For stations with many tourist attractions, offer rail passengers the opportunity to also purchase tickets for the attraction, especially for those travelling on trains.
David is aware this has been implemented at some venues, for example the Great Wall at Badaling.
Suggestion 17
Allow ticket printout for trips made with ExpressPay cards at the end of trips at machines. Allow for future e-reimbursements.
Not aware this has been implemented in full, although reservation slips are now being printed.
Suggestion 18
Improve ticketing. Enable Personal Ticketing replacement tickets and Pay Upon Arrival. Expand e-ticket use. Allow more riders to touch in using their valid ID only; expand support from current Chinese ID card to Mainland Permit for HK and Macao Resident + China Green Card holders. Allow ID to be used to replace lost tickets. Make the Personal Ticketing Scheme permanent.
Generally implemented in full, except there is limited support for Mainland Permit holders (but Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents whom have the mainland-issued Residence Card can travel on similar conditions).
Suggestion 19
On some routes, allow flexible seating during specified times.
Implemented. In particular on Suburban trains, free seating has now been realised.
Suggestion 20
Introduce return tickets as transfer tickets, where passengers need to “sign in” their tickets and choose a train upon return. Allow 2nd rebookings for a fee (¥5-¥10).
Not yet implemented.
Part 2: Making Railway Operations Better
Suggestion 21
Save more power at stations. Allow smaller stations to be powered by solar power only (parts directly connected to the railway line must be powered separately).
Solar power as a means to power a station has only been realised at some stations, including the recently opened Hangzhou South Railway Station.
Suggestion 22
Trains operating at speeds of 300 km/h and faster should implement a system where passengers leave from the front door, and board from the back, to shorten stops.
Sporadically and somewhat infrequently/irregularly implemented, although it is seen as a Best Practice.
Suggestion 23
To avoid people feeling ill, add temperature info in public announcements for legs 50 km or longer from the past stop.
Irregularly implemented.
Suggestion 24
Improve compositions for longer trains. Based on travel figures, make the frontmost car a First & Business Class car (including Business Compartment); then create a separate First Class car, and another separate Business Class car (for 24 people). Add one full dining car. All others are 2nd Class.
Implemented with significant variation. On newer Smart trains, Business Class has had seats replaced with Business Solo Suites. There has been a slight addition of First Class seats on especially longer trains. The dining car has been shrunk so seats have been removed, encouraging customers to take food back to their seats.
Suggestion 25
After each departure, inform riders of arrival time at next stop. Make arrival public announcements 10 km (High Speed) / 5 km (Classic Rail) in advance.
Irregularly implemented.
Suggestion 26
Ban smoking on all platforms with HSR train service. Add a No Smoking sign on all train doors. Offer replacement products (eg nicotine gum) for those aged 18+ (check IDs).
Irregularly implemented, sometimes minimally, although the tendency is to clamp down further on smoking, especially on High Speed and trains using multiple units.
Suggestion 27
Progressively get all railway stations and passenger service departments on Weibo and WeChat, so to improve service to passengers via the Web.
Implemented since the start of the 2010s, with the national rail operator China Railways and the national rail daily People’s Railway Daily being the most successful in bringing the railways to life in a way ordinary customers and railfans alike enjoy.
Suggestion 28
Prepare for the deployment of DMU trains in areas where electrified rail routes are not yet currently a viable option.
Partial implementation, although relatively limited.
Suggestion 29
In stations where there are only waiting areas for Business Class passengers, allow Premier Class riders access (except in stations with very limited conditions).
Less implementation nowadays with Premier Class being increasingly limited in availability. Business Class is seen as a far more superior product. However, implementation is apparent at Hong Kong West Kowloon railway station.
Suggestion 30
Offer personalised services for Business and Premier Class passengers. Address passengers by title and name and remember their needs and preferences.
Some implementation (in particular on trains operated to/from Eastern China) especially since the late 2010s with a focus on improving Business Class services. For example, even at busy rail hubs, Business Class passengers get their dedicated Security, Ticket & ID checkpoint.
Suggestion 31
Continue to operate the railways as a matter of national public benefit. Allow the government to offer the railways more support.
Continued implementation along with support from the central government in admitting as many non-government funds into the railways. For example, pro bono Green Trains still run on older tracks leading into the mountains, and have been featured as an example of the railways continuing to “focus on the needs of the common man”.
Suggestion 32
Control the number of retail shops permitted at stations to avoid them “taking over” the station, creating “visual chaos”.
Implemented nationwide, with in particular a focus on cleaning up Beijing South Railway Station from late 2016.
Suggestion 33
Where safety has been assured, prepare for the eventual operation of trains on HSR lines for speeds as fast as 380 km/h.
The new “middle route” HS line from Chengdu to Chongqing will be futureproofed for actual speeds up to 400 km/h. The associated trainset, the CR450, is already being developed and tested.
Suggestion 34
On [High Speed] trains, prepare for the eventual introduction of vending machines. To encourage their use, reduce prices by ¥1.— per product over “staffed” sales prices.
Implemented with the first vending machines introduced in late 2019, although prices remain largely the same as those provided by staff.
Suggestion 35
Strengthen the enforceability powers of rail police and rail legislation. Crack down on illegal behaviour.
Continuously implemented since 2014 through more strict legislative instruments.
Suggestion 36
Prepare a liste noire [(blacklist)] system to crack down on anti-social or criminal behaviour and ticketless travel, or the use of forged ID or tickets. Ban such criminals from trains. Link penalties to a nationwide system based on the Personal Ticketing scheme. Block rail cards (but permit refunds).
Continuously implemented since 2014 through more strict legislative instruments. Those with poor credit or with anti-social/criminal conduct can now be excluded from railway conveyance for up to 180 days.
Suggestion 37
Regulate media access to trains (free travel only). Allow only free travel if there is actual reporting on trains.
Awaiting updates on actual implementation.
Suggestion 38
Improve the Passenger Travel Record forms. Introduce pre-printed forms for lost (not replaced) and replaced (not lost) tickets.
Implemented in a slightly different way, with passenger travel records now mostly issued electronically (paper records are a fall-back method).
Suggestion 39
The railways should inform riders more. Offer more information to the benefit of passengers and the railways. Introduce more information brochures.
Progressively more implementation: for example, through Everyday Rail English-sponsored bilingual brochures, as well as bilingual info cards at hub stations.
Suggestion 40
Improve railway passenger service web sites, allowing passengers easy access to travel information on the World Wide Web.
Implemented with a late 2010s/early 2020s improvement to the 12306.cn China Railways Customer Service website.
Part 3: Making Railway Planning Better
Suggestion 41
Enable infrastructure allowing faster speeds to become standard nationwide, except for lines where it is clear there is very limited demand. Optionally run trains slower at the start. Prevent wasting lines.
Implemented started in the early- to mid-2010s with an increasing number of lines, even some of more local than national importance, built for speeds up to 350 km/h.
Suggestion 42
Develop fully the network with intercity lines serving major agglomerations. Enable more convenient intercity travel by rail. Key routes to allow trains to run faster.
Implementation accelerated in particular in the new 2035 plans, which futureproof even maglev lines between major cities in northern, eastern, and southern China.
Suggestion 43
Fully develop suburban rail. Carry passengers by day, carry cargo (and some passengers) by night.
General tendency in particular in the late 2010s and early 2020s to develop suburban railway networks nationwide, as well as improvements to current ones (eg electrifying routes around northern Beijing suburbs)
Suggestion 44
Build new diagonal (northwest to southeast, northeast to southwest) trunk lines and HSR lines. Shrink distances and serve cities these new lines go through.
The new 2013-2016 8×8 national HSR plans already feature a number of lines running diagonally rather than strictly at right angles.
Suggestion 45
Shorten transfer distances between modes of transport. Beijing South is a Best Practices case study for larger stations; Wuxi East is the same for intermediate stations.
Implemented. Express Entrances are now built at newer stations such as Beijing Chaoyang. Intermediate stations including Tianjin South are also getting quicker links to metro systems.
Suggestion 46
Extend trains so that they begin from (more) city stations, rather than HSR stations, which may be some distance from the city centre.
Implemented more and more. For example, Beijing North – Qinghe sees significant rail connections into the city centre. A “station hopper” part of a longer-distance service calls at three stations in Beijing: the main station, South, and Fengtai stations.
Suggestion 47
When needed, prepare and deploy tilting pendular electric multiple unit trains.
Not yet implemented. The tendency is to build more completely new HSR routes.
Suggestion 48
To futureproof overnight travel, prepare a sleeper train capable of attaining speeds of 300 km/h and higher.
David is aware prototypes may be in development or in testing, but they have yet to be made available to the general public.
Suggestion 49
Allow long-distance high speed sleeper trains to use both HSR and [Classic Rail] routes (eg for overnight services between Beijing and Guangzhou).
Implemented, and in particular, the overnight service using High Speed rolling stock between Beijing and Shenzhen (border city with Hong Kong) and Zhuhai (border city with Macao) is now already reality.
Suggestion 50
Make [Classic Rail] trains run faster. Prepare for future speeds of up to 200 km/h on newer locomotives. Allow [Classic Rail] trains to actually run up to at least 170 km/h.
Implemented slightly differently; new, modernised multiple unit trains replace the older “Green” rolling stock. A significant increase in Classic Rail services beyond 160 km/h has not yet been realised.
Suggestion 51
Build high speed cargo lines (design speed: 200 km/h), and futureproof this so that even faster lines could be made possible in future.
To be implemented in full; however, lighter-weight cargo (eg packets) can now be carried onboard 300-350 km/h High Speed trains.
Suggestion 52
Allow current-day cargo trains to run progressively faster — up to speeds of at least 160 km/h.
Partially implemented (situation similar to that in Suggestion 51).
Suggestion 53
Expand the [Classic Rail] network where needed. Where HSR cannot solve connection / service issues, or where there is no HSR, expand [Classic Rail] so to relieve pressure.
Some implementation although recently the focus is on expanding the HSR network.
Suggestion 54
Manage strictly the immediate surroundings beside the rails, so to avoid visual or noise pollution.
Progressively more implementation — soundproof walls are now being installed especially in more urbanised areas.
Suggestion 55
Run local and long-distance trains more efficiently whilst ensuring safety.
Progressive implementation. “Local” services (as in trains that run only on this current line) are being gradually increased in frequency. There is also a significant increase in “long-distance” services (trains which switch between lines and use only part of a particular line).
Suggestion 56
Prepare direct HSR routes on lines with heavy direct traffic, enabling speeds of at least 380-400 km/h. Such lines should only serve provincial capitals and key cities that are not such regional capitals. Set up stations every 200-300 km. Improve capacity progressively. Offer both regular and deluxe seating.
The first line primed for 400 km/h is being built (as of 2021). A 600 km/h maglev network is in the planning stages and is likely to serve major urban centres only.
Suggestion 57
Prepare for the eventual Cross-Straits, Macao, East Shandong Peninsula-Dalian, and Sichuan-Tibet railways.
The Cross-Straits line is suspended due to political issues, although on the mainland side, the newest station, Pingtan, serves as the final mainland station, with pre-built options for an eventual extension to Taiwan. A direct rail line into Macao is in the planning stages, which may also feature Light Rail links. The Sichuan-Tibet railway is being built.
Suggestion 58
Where rail transport and national security are not compromised, prepare for non-government funds to be used in operating non-trunk line routes.
Implemented as the Chinese government has encouraged funds not from the government (eg privately-held funds) to be used for rail development.
Suggestion 59
Prepare for a larger-window Panorama Sightseeing Car. Allow these great views on the ground in China to “promote sales” of travelling around China by train.
Not yet implemented.
Suggestion 60
Continuously improve all [Classic Rail] locomotives and rolling stock, and all HSR train sets. Eventually complete the Maglev network in and around Shanghai and Zhejiang.
Implemented. However, the Maglev network in and around Shanghai and Zhejiang is still on hold pending on newer maglev network plans.
Part 4: Making International Services Better
Suggestion 61
Based on current-day standards, improve and unify Rail English. Use authentic and truly standard expressions in naming railway stations in English.
Visible implementation.
Suggestion 62
Allow a change in the English-language fonts currently used across the network. Use a world-leading, legible font as a replacement, to better serve world travellers.
Partial and sporadic implementation.
Suggestion 63
Use more icons, and add explanatory text in Chinese where needed (where there are less foreign travellers).
Partial implementation. There has been a slightly disturbing trend to some times present text in Chinese only.
Suggestion 64
Fully bilingual stations should be an eventual goal for all stations in areas accessible to foreigners. Allow all stations with CRH train service to reach this goal first via signage. All CRH trains should also provide bilingual service (except those on routes rarely used by foreigners).
Progressive, at times slow, implementation; slowdown felt since start of Covid-19 pandemic with access-restricted borders, but planned acceleration after the end of the pandemic.
Suggestion 65
Progressively introduce an English site for passengers.
Implemented since 2021 with basic ticketing options available.
Suggestion 66
Progressively permit international credit cards to be used across the rail network.
Partially implemented since 2021, but mostly across online booking systems; support at stations and with ticket machines is irregular.
Suggestion 67
Promote China Railways online abroad, attracting more riders.
Implemented in principle, but gaps in full realisation remain, compounded by global negativity towards China in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Suggestion 68
Build new-generation international HSR lines. Create new trains for international HSR service. Based on current standards, allow infrastructure for international services to be of the highest level, with options for further upgrades. All international routes should use the 1435 mm gauge.
Partial implementation: China-built railway and HSR routes generally use the same norms as are used in China. Cross-border routes tend to be built to the highest norms (except for mountainous terrain). 1435 mm gauge used generally throughout (lines in Africa, China-Laos Railway).
Suggestion 69
Improve border inspections on international [and also cross-border] HSR trains. Improve from checks in every [jurisdiction], first to checks at departure and arrival, and finally, one check for the whole trip.
Implementation at West Kowloon station in Hong Kong is smooth, although unlike with Eurostar, mainland law also applies beyond the passport control checkpoints. Implementation in international routes such as China-Laos to be determined after Covid-19 pandemic.
Suggestion 70
Top-tier (including 1st Tier) stations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an, should introduce multilingual services in English, French, and Spanish.
Noted implementation for English. Less visible implementation in other languages, except for French during Beijing 2022.
Suggestion 71
Serve international students in China, as well as backpackers visiting China. Understand their differences and their individualised needs.
Very limited implementation. The student discount still does not apply to foreign passport holders.
Suggestion 72
Introduce Western food for foreign travellers in First, Premier, and Business Class. Also permit advance orders.
Very limited implementation, if any.
Suggestion 73
Improve service for passengers from abroad in the full understanding that they prefer a mostly self-service trip. Be assistive and helpful, not commanding.
Some implementation, with better realisation for trains operated by staff based in Eastern China (eg Shanghai).
Suggestion 74
Directors on duty should improve their level of spoken English. Prepare language guidebooks and pay particular focus on training these key rail staff.
Some implementation, although gaps in progress remain.
Suggestion 75
Deepen rail-oriented connections with the outside world. Organise more visits by foreign delegations. Learn from one other; improve China Railways together.
Limited implementation. Visibly interrupted by access-restricted borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Suggestion 76
Allow [High Speed] trains to run to Hong Kong and also internationally. Port / frontier stations should provide easier, self-service access for e-passport / e-ID holders.
See also Suggestion 69. Progressively realised. Port / frontier stations now provide facilitated access for e-passport / e-ID holders with a tendency to allow more resident foreign nationals to use them.
Suggestion 77
Allow more rail ticketing counters at international airports, so to allow more passengers to get train tickets whilst still at the airport.
Partially realised. Full realisation at airports with a rail station presence (Beijing Daxing Airport, for example). Scaled back at a few stations with no rail presence.
Suggestion 78
Prepare Chinese and English (or other language) bilingual clips on China Railways (as a whole) and also as passenger assistance clips.
Partial, and often, limited realisation.
Suggestion 79
Provide tourism information for passengers heading to Tier 1 cities, Tier 2 cities with city metro systems, or cities with a significant international visitor presence.
Limited systematic realisation.
Suggestion 80
Make stations (including toilets) cleaner, bilingual signage clearer and more readable, and ensure content is complete and easily comprehendible.
Generally implemented. In particular, since the mid-to-late 2010s, there has been a visibly greater focus on cleaning up and upgrading toilets, as well as the addition of more throne toilets.
Part 5: Making Railway Culture Better
Suggestion 81
Allow the railways and rail enthusiasts in good standing and with visible influence to begin better ties so to bring the railways more approachable.
Progressively realised, in particular with professional photographers whom are rail enthusiasts. Also, more and more rail regions across China are opening stations wider to the general public on “show days”.
Suggestion 82
Allow train models to be sold on lines and routes which are visibly popular amongst passengers.
Realised with limited success. In some cases, train models are (potentially) knock-off, of shoddy quality, or rushed.
Suggestion 83
Prepare a Rail Passenger Souvenir Passport. Allow frequent riders with this passport to earn more rail mileage points.
Not actively implemented.
Suggestion 84
Properly deal with the issue of “rail fans and photography”. Issue Rail Enthusiast Photo ID for those not travelling staying at stations for 15+ minutes. Allow noncommercial use of photos taken. Open up less busy stations for photography. Ban flash photography. Revoke ID for abusers endangering rail safety.
Since the debut of new national security legislation in the mid-2010s, this has become a greater issue, but the railways in fact tend to be less restrictive about photography conducted in public areas in stations. However, there remains problems concerning photography alongside railway routes, especially near or on railway premises.
Suggestion 85
Organise formal meetings with rail enthusiasts of national importance in discussing future rail development.
Limited, if any, implementation. Usually, comments and opinions are only given in an informal way. There remains to be established a formalised way of communicating this way.
Suggestion 86
Prepare space in magazines and newspapers to allow rail enthusiasts to share stories, views, and photos.
Increased, although still partial, implementation.
Suggestion 87
Organise a special award for rail enthusiasts who have made a major contribution to Chinese railways.
Not implemented at present.
Suggestion 88
Organise a special aware for foreign rail enthusiasts who have actively contributed to improving networking between Chinese and foreign railways.
Not implemented at present.
Suggestion 89
Organise commemorative events of key importance to national railways and rail policies. Allow rail enthusiasts to take part and to get the word out to others.
Very limited, if any, implementation at present.
Suggestion 90
Where possible, keep locomotives, rolling stock, signage, and direction plates and other “railway memorabilia” of a key historic value.
Only partial implementation. No such active “culture” of this as seen in other countries.
Suggestion 91
Improve the official railway museum. Encourage and provide guidance to the establishment of citizen-run railway museums and rail enthusiast associations.
Limited implementation. No privately-run railway museum of significant scale exists yet.
Suggestion 92
Encourage rail enthusiasts to act as “extra eyes and ears” to the benefit of safe and smooth railway operations. Allow those familiar with safety codes to leading in station order.
Very limited implementation, if any. However, some volunteers may have tasks somewhat related to this.
Suggestion 93
New lines (especially passenger lines) should organise opening-day ceremonies with speeches by influential rail enthusiasts who have been a positive force for the railways.
Some implementation, although as of late, there is much more focus on the media.
Suggestion 94
The railways should organise meetings between rail enthusiasts (both Chinese and foreign) of very high visibility to, representing all enthusiasts, the opportunity to meet the leaders of the rail authorities, to boost care and support.
Very limited implementation.
Suggestion 95
Design and create more railway souvenirs.
Somewhat disorganised, helter-skelter implementation, with the lion’s share of such souvenirs actually created by third-party entities.
Suggestion 96
In the interest of a more active rail culture environment, trains and stations should offer more rail arts or books for sale to passengers.
Very limited implementation, virtually none at the majority of stations.
Suggestion 97
New and easily-remembered rail mottoes and slogans for railway safety should be devised both nationally and regionally. Make them easy to remember at all times!
In the early-to-mid-2010s, some implementation in this regard; since then, this has been far less the case.
Suggestion 98
Where the aesthetics of a train and rail regulations have not been negatively tampered with, ads should be permitted on trainset bodies, especially progressively.
Significant implementation since 2013. Both commercial advertising and regional co-branded trains are now visible.
Suggestion 99
Name every train (especially every locomotive) after a Chinese city or a personality of Chinese origins.
Not currently implemented.
Suggestion 100
When “beta-testing” new rail lines, invite media, specialists, and rail enthusiasts of importance, to “test-ride” the new line. Gather views; encourage patronage upon opening.
Currently implemented but with an excess focus on media specialists. Not a representative audience.